Visual Support Creation

Using Visual Aids to Support Communication

At Peak Potential Therapy, we believe that visual supports are an important component of therapy, which in the SCERTS® Model is part of the transactional supports.

Visual supports help children who struggle with communication, a common problem in children who have autism and related disabilities. They often have difficulty processing and understanding even the simplest spoken communication from others, which can lead to difficulty understanding what is or is not happening during their day, switching from one activity to the next or understanding why they cannot do something they want to do at a particular time.

Many children with disabilities, especially those with autism, are visual learners and have strong visual skills. Because of this, visual supports such as objects, photographs, picture symbols, daily schedules and choice boards can provide the support necessary to greatly improve a child’s understanding and ability to communicate, helping a child be more active and independent.

There are many varieties of visual supports, including:

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

Picture Exchange Communication System is a means of communication that uses a visual representation of spoken language. Usually the word and a picture of what the word represents are put on a small card. For example, the word drink is placed on a card that has a picture or a photograph of a “drinking glass.”

Visual Schedules

Visual schedule systems are an easy way to provide children with consistent cues about their daily activities. They provide a structure that allows a child to anticipate what will happen next, reduce anxiety by providing the child with a vision of his or her day and promote calmness between transitions. They are especially important for children who have a profile that includes difficulties with the understanding of oral language and directions. The consistency provided by a visual schedule is crucial in establishing an atmosphere of trust and security.

Social Stories

Many children with autism have deficits in social cognition, the ability to think in ways necessary for appropriate social interaction. For example, theory of mind describes the difficulty individuals with autism have in assuming the perspective of another person. This can be addressed by a technique which is used to help individuals with autism “read” and understand social situations. This visual support, called “Social Stories,” presents appropriate social behaviors in the form of a story.

Expressing Emotions Using Visual Cues

The problem is not that individuals with autism do not have emotions; sometimes they just have difficulties expressing these emotions and recognizing them in others. An emotions chart can be useful to help people with autism to learn to label and express their emotions.

Visual Supports Creation Fee Schedule

Grant Funding Sources

We understand that for many families, finding financial assistance and grant funding for therapy services can be a struggle. To help make it easier to access these resources, we’ve compiled an extensive list of grant sources. These sources can provide financial assistance with a variety of therapy services provided by Peak Potential Therapy.

We accept the CareCredit healthcare credit card. CareCredit is a healthcare credit card designed exclusively for healthcare services with special financing options such as those offered by Peak Potential Therapy.

Family Reviews

“We couldn’t be happier with Ryan’s progress and are excited about 1st grade! We are so thankful for all of the therapists and teachers in his life who have helped him (and us) get through this mystery called autism!”